Temporary Project Attorney Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Why Join DHCS?
Are you ready to make a meaningful impact on public service? Are you passionate about litigation and eager for the opportunity to handle your own health care caseload from start to finish? If so, the Department of Health care Services (DHCS) is the place for you!
DHCS is the backbone of California's health care safety net. Our success is made possible by the hard work of more than 4,800 DHCS team members and through collaboration with the federal government and other state agencies, counties, and partners for the care of low-income families, children, pregnant women, older adults, and persons with disabilities. This is an exciting opportunity to join our litigation team. If you are interested in joining our team, apply today!
About this Role:
The Department of Health Care Services (DHCS), Office of Legal Services (OLS), Program Integrity and Compliance Branch (PICB) is seeking an Attorney IV to join its administrative litigation professionals. Attorney IV positions are crucial in reaching our mission of providing Californians with access to affordable, integrated, high-quality health care, including medical, dental, mental health, substance use treatment services and long-term care. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute work that directly supports the health and well-being of millions of Californians.
This is a dynamic litigation position where you'll have the opportunity to handle your own caseload, prepare witnesses, review and assess evidence (including cost reports and medical records), and represent DHCS in hearings before the Office of Administrative Hearings and Appeals (OAHA) and the Office of Administrative Hearings (OAH). PICB attorneys handle a wide range of litigation matters including hospital and nursing facility audits, provider appeals, substance use disorder license actions, and managed care appeals. PICB attorneys also work with the Attorney General's Office in writ petitions and other state and federal court actions. You will have the opportunity to work remotely from anywhere in California! (Working in the Sacramento office full or part-time is also an option.) Telework is subject to DHCS' Telework Program guidelines.
Under the direction of the Assistant Chief Counsel, the Attorney IV will have the opportunity to handle a broad spectrum of administrative litigation matters and work on complex and evolving legal issues in a collaborative and supportive team committed to protecting the integrity of California's health care programs.
The Attorney IV qualifies for a "Hire Above Minimum " (HAM) salary. The starting salary for the classification will be: $13,313.
Have questions and/or need assistance? Contact Recruit@dhcs.ca.gov, we are here to help walk you through the state hiring process!
This position is subject to the Department's Conflict of Interest Code and filing a Statement of Economic Interests (Form 700) when assuming office, annually while in office, and upon leaving office.
You will find additional information about the job in the Duty Statement .
Working Conditions
The Office of Legal Services uses a hybrid telework model to provide all employees with an avenue to telework while ensuring business and operational needs are met. Please see the Telework and Salary Information section below for telework, reporting location, and temporary statewide salary reduction details
This is a statewide recruitment, and the position may be located in, but not limited to, the following locations: Sacramento, San Francisco, Orange (Santa Ana), San Bernadino (Rancho Cucamonga), San Diego and Los Angeles.
Minimum Requirements You will find the Minimum Requirements in the Class Specification.

• ATTORNEY IV

Additional Documents

• Job Application Package Checklist
• Duty Statement

Position Details Job Code #:
JC-530046
Position #(s):
803-030-5780-XXX
Working Title:
Attorney IV (Hybrid)
Classification:
ATTORNEY IV $11,993.00 - $16,096.00 A
New to State candidates will be hired into the minimum salary of the classification or minimum of alternate range when applicable.
# of Positions:
Multiple
Work Location:
United States
Telework:
Hybrid
Job Type:
Permanent, Full Time
Department Information
DHCS' purpose is to provide equitable access to quality health care leading to a healthy California for all.
DHCS is a dynamic organization with ambitious goals and talented, committed employees. We work hard every day to fulfill our vital responsibility to support the delivery of quality health care to Californians. DHCS is committed to addressing disparities within our organization and communities through efforts toward greater diversity, equity, and inclusion. This is accomplished, in part, by a commitment toward employing a diverse workforce that reflects the many communities we serve, and by promoting and enforcing equal employment opportunity.
Take a look at some of DHCS' recent projects and happenings that our Department has accomplished in the DHCS Newsroom.
The Office of Legal Service (OLS) provides comprehensive legal support and services to DHCS programs and its employees. The Regulations Units (Regs) which coordinate the development and promulgation of DHCS regulations, is also part of the OLS.
Special Requirements
Simple Application Steps
If you are interested in this position, complete the following simple steps:

Review the education and experience minimum qualifications (MQ's) of the Attorney series. See the Minimum Requirements section above.

Submit your application package with all required documents, which includes resume and cover letter - see the "Required Application Package Documents" section below.

Once you have applied, take the Attorney IV Examination.

Application Instructions
Completed applications and all required documents must be received or postmarked by the Final Filing Date in order to be considered. Dates printed on Mobile Bar Codes, such as the Quick Response (QR) Codes available at the USPS, are not considered Postmark dates for the purpose of determining timely filing of an application.
Final Filing Date: 9/11/2026
Who May Apply
Individuals who are currently in the classification, eligible for lateral transfer, eligible for reinstatement, have list or LEAP eligibility, are in the process of obtaining list eligibility, or have SROA and/or Surplus eligibility (please attach your letter, if available). SROA and Surplus candidates are given priority; therefore, individuals with other eligibility may be considered in the event no SROA or Surplus candidates apply. Applications will be screened and only the most qualified applicants will be selected to move forward in the selection process. Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications stated in the Classification Specification(s).
How To Apply
Complete Application Packages (including your Examination/Employment Application (STD 678) and applicable or required documents) must be submitted to apply for this Job Posting. Application Packages may be submitted electronically through your CalCareer Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. When submitting your application in hard copy, a completed copy of the Application Package listing must be included. If you choose to not apply electronically, a hard copy application package may be submitted through an alternative method listed below:
Address for Mailing Application Packages
You may submit your application and any applicable or required documents to:
Department of Health Care Services
Mailing
Attn: Certification Technician JC-530046
M.S. 1300
P.O. Box 997411
Sacramento , CA 95899-7411
Address for Drop-Off Application Packages
You may drop off your application and any applicable or required documents at:
Department of Health Care Services
Drop-Off
Certification Section JC-530046
1501 Capitol Avenue, Suite 71.1501
Sacramento , CA 95814
Monday-Friday (excluding holidays)
08:00 AM - 04:00 PM
Required Application Package Documents
The following items are required to be submitted with your application. Applicants who do not submit the required items timely may not be considered for this job:

• Current version of the State Examination/Employment Application STD Form 678 (when not applying electronically), or the Electronic State Employment Application through your Applicant Account at www.CalCareers.ca.gov. All Experience and Education relating to the Minimum Qualifications listed on the Classification Specification should be included to demonstrate how you meet the Minimum Qualifications for the position.
• Resume is required and must be included.
• Other - Cover Letter: Applicants who do not submit the required cover letter may not be considered.

Applicants requiring reasonable accommodations for the hiring interview process must request the necessary accommodations if scheduled for a hiring interview. The request should be made at the time of contact to schedule the interview. Questions regarding reasonable accommodations may be directed to the EEO contact listed on this job posting.
Desirable Qualifications In addition to evaluating each candidate's relative ability, as demonstrated by quality and breadth of experience, the following factors will provide the basis for competitively evaluating each candidate:
• Experience representing clients in litigation matters before administrative, state, and/or federal courts, including negotiation and mediation experience
• Knowledge of Title XIX of the Social Security Act; the state Medi-Cal program; and related programs and divisions of the Department
• Background and interest in health law
• Strong written and oral communication skills
• Superior research, analytical, interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to exercise a high degree of initiative, flexibility, tact and diplomacy, judgment and confidentiality
• Experience advising clients on sensitive political issues
• Ability and commitment to work collaboratively and maintain professional and collaborative relationships with team members, clients and other staff at all levels, as well as stakeholders
• Advanced expertise in reviewing and analyzing contracts, correspondence, legal opinions, state plan amendments, bulletins, regulations, legislation, and other legal documents
• A commitment to public service
• Ability to research and analyze program issues from a broad policy perspective; and complete work under set deadlines
Benefits
DHCS is dedicated to creating an innovative workplace for its team members that is inclusive, diverse, and interactive! Here are a few of the ways we stay engaged with our team:

• Continuous and ongoing training
• Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program activities
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Additionally, as a team member of the State of California, you may be eligible for many benefits, such as:

• Medical, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Holidays and vacation/leave
• Defined retirement program
• Savings Plus Program (401(k), 457)
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) qualifying employer
• Medical/Dependent Care Reimbursement Accounts

Full benefits information can be found on CalHR's California State Civil Service Employee Benefits Summary .
DHCS 2023-2027 Strategic Plan provides more information about our commitment to serving Californians and organizational excellence.
We need your help! Please let us know how you heard about our position by taking this brief optional survey: SurveyMonkey link . This survey is not required to be considered for this position.
Contact Information
The Hiring Unit Contact is available to answer questions regarding the position or application process.
Hiring Unit Contact:
Ke'Erah Osby
(916) 708-8118
KeErah.Osby@dhcs.ca.gov
Please direct requests for Reasonable Accommodations to the interview scheduler at the time the interview is being scheduled. You may direct any additional questions regarding Reasonable Accommodations or Equal Employment Opportunity for this position(s) to the Department's EEO Office.
EEO Contact:
EEO Officer
(916) 440-7370
civilrights@dhcs.ca.gov
California Relay Service: 1-800-735-2929 (TTY), 1-800-735-2922 (Voice) TTY is a Telecommunications Device for the Deaf, and is reachable only from phones equipped with a TTY Device.
Telework and Salary Information
Telework: This position is currently eligible for telework. The amount of telework is at the discretion of the Department and is subject to change consistent with DHCS' Telework Program and Government Code sections 14200 - 14203. Telework is available to California residents, and proof of residency may be required.
Business travel may be required, and reimbursement considers an employee's designated office and residence subject to regulations and bargaining unit contract provisions. All commute expenses to the reporting location will be the responsibility of the selected candidate.
The DHCS office location for this position may be located in Sacramento, San Francisco, Orange (Santa Ana), San Bernadino (Rancho Cucamonga), San Diego and Los Angeles.
For a list of possible DHCS office assignment location addresses, please reference the reporting location document attached to the duty statement on this job advertisement.
Salary: Effective July 1, 2025, the California Department of Human Resources (CalHR) implemented the temporary Personal Leave Program 2025 (PLP 2025). PLP 2025 directs that each employee receive a temporary reduction in pay in exchange for PLP 2025 leave credits. The temporary salary reduction percentage and the number of PLP 2025 leave credits are based on the position's associated bargaining unit. The salary range(s) included in this job advertisement do not include the temporary salary reduction. Please reach out to the hiring unit contact listed on this job advertisement for details.
Additional Information
Using the online